Profiles Dorothy M. Schirtzinger, library director at the Lee County Library System (LCLS) in Fort Myers, Florida. Discusses her education and early jobs; mentors; the educational mission of the library; increases and developments in staff, branches, budget, and in-library and outreach programs; automation; federal funding; and future plans. (AEF)

This essay addresses the ambiguity and confusion arising out of two values that have been embodied in American public library ideology since at least the last quarter of the nineteenth century: concept of the public library as community institution; the public library's emphasis on service to the individual. (27 references) (EJS)

Discusses the historical foundations of memory and knowledge systems in sixteenth-century Europe and offers insights into the current situation and where our knowledge systems are bound. The development of hypersystems and a new approach to research librarianship are considered. (13 references) (MES)

Reprints four articles originally published between 1919 and 1967 in "Library Journal." Topics include changing ideals in librarianship, the changing nature of library work (Paul Dunkin), attracting adolescents to the library (Mary Hinant), and the social outlook of the librarian (Marilla Waite Freeman). A sidebar reviews the 1966…

Presents four articles, originally published in 1934 and 1944, that are considered to be some of the best library writing published in "Library Journal." Topics discussed include functions of libraries and needs for the future; libraries in the new society (A. A. Berle); economic effects on libraries during the Depression (editorial);…

Includes four articles originally published in the 1890s. Highlights include a discussion of freedom of speech, political opinions, and the role of the public library in social reform; the establishment of a congressional or national library; censorship in libraries; and a criticism of a librarian by his assistant. (LRW)

Reprints five articles originally published between 1933 and 1983 showing that the library field was ready to use technology: "People and Machines: Changing Relationships?" (S. Michael Malinconico); "Guilds or Technocracy?" (Margery C. Quigley); "The Librarian and the Machine" (Jesse H. Shera); "From the…

Illustrates the best form for library catalogs through a retrospective examination of the nineteenth century Rudolph Continuous Indexer. (RAA)

Discusses six theories or explanations for the remarkable persistence of criticism of library schools: conservatism, backgrounds of library school deans and directors, library educators, importance of socialization in professional education, the library student personality, and attitudes toward librarianship. An anthology of 97 years of criticism…

Examines the history of abridged audio publishing 10 years after the formation of the Audio Publishers Association. Topics include abridged versus unabridged versions for bookstores and libraries; vendors and publishers; future possibilities for CDs and DVD (Digital Versatile Disc); and audio leasing for libraries. (LRW)

Includes reprints of four articles published in "Library Journal" from 1894-1963: (1) "The Distinctive Value of Books" (Lester Asheim); (2) "The Changing Role of the University Library" (Ralph E. Ellsworth); (3) "It Is a Mistake to Recruit Men" (Ralph Munn); and (4) "Is It Best for Libraries to Buy…

Provides excerpts from David Berninghausens's "Social Responsibility vs. the Library Bill of Rights" and responses that appeared in "Library Journal" in 1972 and 1973 because of the continuing debate over the role of the American Library Association (ALA) Social Responsibilities Round Table and whether or not ALA should take…

Includes reprints of four articles originally published in "Library Journal" in the 1940s and 1960s: "The Role of the Professional School in the University" (Ernest Cadman Colwell); "Library Schools Reshaping Courses" (Lewis F. Stieg); "The New Training Pattern Looks Good" (Harold Lancour); and "The…

Discussion of problems in library reference services focuses on the influence of gender roles. A historical overview of gender roles in the development of American librarianship is presented that highlights stereotyped views of and attitudes toward women, which the author suggests still have influences on librarianship today. (17 references) (LRW)

Summarizes the history and major activities of the Foundation Library Committee, created in 1975 to coordinate grants from major foundations so that they best assist library development. The Committee's role in aiding the Research Libraries Group in development of its network is discussed. (SW)